Using the web for research

One tool that I really have not talked about a lot yet, but is readily available to you all is the internet. Since you are reading this blog, I'm assuming you have some access to an internet connection.

The problem with the internet, which is the problem with any resource to be completely honest, is assessing the validity of the information given. Unlike with a book, or TV show however, there is a plethora of sources on the internet, and for many, no way to truly be sure who the source is and how reliable they are.

When doing research on the internet, usually one of the best ways to start is by doing a simple search. Google, Yahoo and Ask Jeeves are three that I use regularly. An important thing to remember when searching is how the search engine you are using works.

One thing I highly recommend is using the advanced search tools on any search engine, and searching within results if the number of results is too large. By using the advance search tools, you can choose words to include in search, words that must be in the results, words that can't be in the results, language, etc. Sometimes you can even filter your results, so that you don't receive any adult sites.

An example for why you would want to list words you don't want in a search is simple. Say you are searching for gold coins with cats on them. The first time you search, you find coins from the isle of man, and only coins from the isle of man. Now that you know they have gold coins with cats, and you want to see if other areas do as well, you would search for gold coins, and not isle of man.

One of the problems with searching the web, is that you have to remember the meaning of words you are using. Cat, in the above example may come up in searches for an abbreviation of catalog. So keep in mind that just because a page comes up in the search, it doesn't mean it has the information you are looking for.

When you do find a page, start looking for some information about who publishes the page, and if they are trying to sell you something. If someone is trying to sell you something, it doesn't mean their information is false, it just means that they may be biased, as anyone can be.

As you search for topics, find some good basic informational sites to bookmark on the broad topics of interest. Also, try to bookmark some news sites, periodical sites, an online encyclopedia and a dictionary. If possible, verify information through at least one other source before accepting it as fact.

I personally do use the internet for research, but find I learn best from books. So often when I am giving advice about research, I don't say much about the internet. It is a very valuable resource however, and one I encourage you to use.

Until next time!